Women Make Raqqa Green

The North Syrian city of Raqqa has always been considered multicultural and liberal. Then it became the “capital” of the self-proclaimed caliphate of the ISIS and terror became part of everyday life. During the reign of terror of the ISIS, Raqqa was almost completely destroyed as the organization led a campaign of annihilation against people, nature, culture and history.

Since the city was liberated by the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) in October 2017, the Civil Council of Raqqa has been working to rebuild the infrastructure. The People’s Municipality is taking care of the restoration of the green areas and parks in cooperation with the Environment Committee and the Parking Management Committee. The ISIS had destroyed almost all parks and gardens during its reign of terror. Many green areas in Raqqa and outside the city had become mass graves.

In March last year, the self-governing city initiated a reforestation campaign. Since then, around 100,000 olive trees have been planted throughout the city as part of the greening plan drawn up for Raqqa. At the same time, the Civil Council distributes tree seedlings free of charge to the inhabitants in the rural areas to bring about a change in social thinking as well.

Raqqa Directorate of Environment and Parks has planted over 20 thousand seedlings as part of a campaign launched two months ago to make the city green. The work is carried out under the leadership of 25 women.

Changing the color of the city, the 25 women are dealing with the production, care and planting of the seedlings.

One of these women, Zehra Ahmed said; “I have been taking part in this campaign for two months. I get my labor’s worth and earn my living.”

The Directorate of Environment and Parks stated that the works will continue throughout the city.

Co-operation in Mesopotamia is a project from the Solidarity Economy Association.

Solidarity Economy Association Ltd. Is a not-for-profit, multi-stakeholder co-operative company limited by guarantee. It is registered under the Companies Act 2006 in England and Wales. Registered number 10733713.